Naviglio Grande: Our most recommended tours and activities

Milan: Navigli District Canal Boat Tour with Aperitivo

1. Milan: Navigli District Canal Boat Tour with Aperitivo

Explore the Navigli district, famous for its canals and vibrant evening life, on a boat cruise. Cruise along the Naviglio Grande and enjoy a glass of wine or Aperol spritz, with some tasty snacks. After you set off on the canal, enjoy the sights of typical Milanese railing houses, which represent the Milan of the past, now home to numerous bars and restaurants. Gently cruising upstream you will pass one of the oldest churches in the city: the Church of San Cristoforo. See the historic headquarters of Canottieri Milano Olona and the famous alley of the launderers, an architectural jewel that takes its name from the residents who washed their laundry there, all in complete relaxation and in a convivial atmosphere. If you want, you can also listen to the audio guide to learn a bit more about the district and sights you will see. Or simply enjoy the navigation while chatting with your friends over a glass of wine or Aperol spritz, a favorite local beverage.

Milan: Navigli Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

2. Milan: Navigli Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

Begin your tour by boarding the new electric boat. As the boat sets off along the canal, see the "case di Ringhiera", typical houses of the working-class districts of Milan. Cruise towards the popular 13th-century church of San Cristoforo while listening to informative commentary from your guide. See where the delicious Marscarpone cheese is said to have been invented as you float down an alley of cheesemakers. Come across the historic headquarters of the Canottieri Milano Olona, one of the longest-running rowing clubs in the city of Milan, with a history of over 100 years behind it. Pass by the famous Vicolo dei Lavandai, an architectural wonder that in the 18th-century was in charge of washing the linen of wealthy families. Cross the Scodellino bridge and reach the modern Darsena, an area of entertainment on the water, full of busy bars, restaurants, and clubs. It is still today one of the main centers of Milanese nightlife. Float towards the Trophy bridge and finally come to the Conchetta designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Experience the 14 navigation basins of the Conchetta that connect Milan and Pavia. It is still operational five centuries after its construction.

Milan: Navigli District Guided Canal Cruise

3. Milan: Navigli District Guided Canal Cruise

Discover the history and culture of Milan's famous Navigli district on this cruise with a local tour guide. Board the boat at Naviglio Grande and set sail through the canals of Milan. Sail from Naviglio Grande to the Naviglio Pavese, passing through the iconic 17th-century Darsena mooring. Pass by quirky artists' studios, unique shops, romantic pubs, and flea markets. Listen to your guide as they explain the history of the canals, which were originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Learn more about the daily life and customs of the Navigli district's residents before ending the cruise back in Naviglio Grande, the perfect place to continue your afternoon.

Private Navigli Walking Tour

4. Private Navigli Walking Tour

Your 1.5-hour walking tour begins in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, in front of the basilica that was founded in the early Christian era. Your walk will take you to the Darsena, site of an ancient inner harbor built during the Spanish era and active until the 1970s for the regional trade. During the tour you’ll learn about the history of the canal from the 12th century, and how Leonardo later improved the system of locks. Hear about the tradition of ancient trades and the people who lived along the waterways. Cross the Triumph Bridge and walk along the Naviglio Pavese, crossing picturesque alleys as you continue to the Naviglio Grande, Milan’s main canal. After reaching the canal you’ll walk with your guide until you come to Vicolo dei Lavandai, a corner that has been kept intact. After the tour you may want to stay to enjoy an aperitivo at one of the bars lining the banks of the canals, or enjoy a meal at a traditional Milanese trattoria.

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What people are saying about Naviglio Grande

Overall rating

3.7 / 5

based on 100 reviews

We booked this trip at the last minute at the recommendation from the guide at the Milan Duomo. We are glad we did. The price is very reasonable and the trip was pleasant. The food was good and there was plenty (maybe they reacted to some of the earlier reviews). We tried a few drinks that we’ve never had with the two complimentary drinks. We’d do it again.

Space! Well thought out and organized atmosphere, attention to detail management. The quality of the food offered during the aperitif exceeded my expectation. I recommend this experience especially to those who want to treat themselves to an ad hoc aperitif with friends / colleagues / business meetings. WONDERFUL sunset location!

Well organised very relaxed no guide but there was an app if you wanted to download But frankly sitting watching the world go by with a sundowner was enough for us

Everything perfect, the meeting point, the timetables, the very prepared guide. More than satisfactory experience, recommended !!!

It’s no Venice but there’s a few cute photo ops, and doing it right at sunset provides for gorgeous pictures.